CITY of Plymouth’s Poppy Tank has been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the World Cross Country Championships in Australia this month.

Tank has been included in a four-strong senior women’s team alongside Abbie Donnelly, Megan Keith and Amelia Quirk.

Her selection follows on from impressing for Great Britain at the European Cross Country Championships in Italy, where she came 13th and helped GB win a team silver medal, and a strong display for England at the World Tour Cross International Juan Mguerza event in Elgoibar Spain, where she came sixth and top European.

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage that cross country has to offer,” said Tank. “I can’t wait to challenge myself against some of the best athletes in the world.”

Exeter’s Sam Mills, who has competed in this season’s Westward League Cross Country series, is named in the men’s under-20 team.

Steve Vernon, world class programme endurance performance manager at UK Athletics said: “We are pleased to be taking this team to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships later this month.

“The event is a prestigious one in the athletics calendar, so we are delighted to have strong representation in every discipline in Australia.

“The World Cross Country Championships is a stepping-stone towards success at future global track and field championships, and that is in line with the overarching endurance strategy for UK Athletics.

“This will also be a fantastic development opportunity for many athletes, and important as we build towards future major cross country championships, including the Worlds in Croatia next year.

“Bathurst will provide great experience to all those selected, and we look forward to seeing how they perform on the global stage.”

The event will take place on February 18.